Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
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9.7 81 Reviews
  • Blackthorns, Halstead
Blackthorns is a newly refurbished, 58 bedroom, residential care home in Halstead, north Essex. This spacious home provides expert care for older people, including those living with dementia. All of the bedrooms are beautifully furnished, with 22 benefitting from en-suite bathroom facilities and there is also a dedicated area for dementia care, designed to enable those they care for to maintain their independence in a safe environment.

Facilities available for the enjoyment of residents include a café, comfortable and sociable dining, several beautiful lounges, a hairdressing salon, corridor snugs and several courtyard garden areas.

The professional, compassionate and highly-trained care team strives to create a varied and enjoyable environment at Blackthorns, and listen carefully to what residents would like to do to make the day pleasurable and memorable. They take great pride in their activities. The activities programme ensures that residents remain stimulated and engaged, taking into account hobbies, needs and interests, to include and entertain everyone. Wifi is also available on site.

At Blackthorns, their aim is to practise ‘person-centred’ care for all residents, and trained staff are available 24 hours a day to meet residents' needs. They understand the value of individuality, so residents will be able to personalise their accommodation.

A nutritious menu of food is provided in consultation with residents and their families to ensure that any special requests and diets can be met.

This beautiful care home can be visited at any time, and assessments can be carried out in people's own homes if desired.

Care Provided by Blackthorns

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Flavia Poplauschi (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Admission is confirmed upon a satisfactory pre-admission assessment and confirmation that the needs of the potential resident can be met.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Blackthorns

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,300
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackthorns to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Upon arriving at the home, please press the buzzer on the intercom. A member of staff will greet you shortly. The home kindly request that you sign the guestbook upon both arrival and departure. This helps maintain an accurate record of who is in the building.
    In the event of an emergency, please follow the designated safety protocols provided. Your cooperation ensures everyone's safety.


  • Parking
  • The home includes dedicated parking spaces.


Total of 81, showing 41-60
9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 81 reviews.

Overall Experience

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  • 26
  • 4
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  • 0

Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A few weeks ago my mum went into Blackthorns, from Colchester hospital, for respite care. It was late on a Friday afternoon and was very stressful trying to find somewhere for mum to go, I am not local and the hospital would be discharging my elderly mum who has Alzheimer's late at night. The manager
was absolutely fantastic in sorting the situation out for me.
I was concerned that mum would struggle to be in this environment for the first time but she is enjoying herself. Mum has been participating in the activities and engaging with more people than she does at home. Food and drink are good and cleanliness is first class. All the staff I've met and spoken to on the phone are lovely.
My dad was in Blackthorns a few years ago and the improvement since then is quite remarkable.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for the kind words you wrote about us at Blackthorns! It is our pleasure and our honour to care for your Mother and to provide the very best in meeting her needs and wishes. Thank you once again! Kind regards, Teresa, Home Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father has been at Blackthorns since June 2019 and the whole family have been made very welcome every time we visit. He always looks happy and well-fed and the staff are always helpful. The home manager is wonderful at communicating with relatives and has a host of festive activities planned which
all the family may participate in. Thank you to all the fabulous staff for your care and love throughout these difficult times.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Many thanks for your kind words. It is our privilege to look after your Father in providing the best care and support to meet his daily needs ad wishes. Thanks once again, Teresa, Home Manager.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt is very well looked after at Blackthorns, the staff are always friendly and answer any questions I raise. The home is very clean, when I visit there is usually an activity being supervised by a very enthusiastic activity provider.
My aunt is happy there and always praises the menu.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Trudi, thanks for your kind words. It is our pleasure to look after your Aunt and to provide the best care to meet her daily needs and wishes. Thank you once again! Teresa, Home Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I felt hugely moved and elated to see how much Blackthorns has changed. Not only was it much cleaner and brighter, the staff looked immaculate and were polite and friendly.
The whole atmosphere felt nicer and it was a pleasure to be there. In the past, I could not wait to leave.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

We are so grateful for the kind words you wrote. Blackthorns is definitely a different Home where care and attention to details are at the core of our work ethics. The staff team has worked tirelessly to put into effect the beautiful changes you saw on your last visit. We are delighted you had a positive experience with us and we are looking forward to achieving even higher standards in our service to Blackthorns Residents. Thank you again, Teresa,
Home Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The facilities are outstanding and all the staff and management go out of their way to make all the people in their care happy and cared for and supported. I found the staff and management very helpful and very happy with what they do. The facilities and the activities are excellent.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thanks for your lovely review. It is our pleasure to care and support your Loved Ones here at Blackthorns. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My family friend seems to be well looked after, the only issue I would feel needs sorting is the chiropodist as he rarely cuts her nails and she is always in a lot of pain until they are cut again, as the time between visits is so long.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Marjorie, thanks for your positive review. We have responded to your comment and have arranged the treatment needed. Thanks for prompting us in our journey to improve our daily care. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safe here and well looked after. We had family here before so we do know the home for a long time. The wide range of activities. It is a clean environment and professional but at the same time person-centred.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Anita, thanks for your lovely review. It is our privilege and our pleasure to care for and support the people who choose our Home to be their Home. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your Mother-in-law. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Clean rooms and common areas.
Very caring staff and good quality of food. They made my 87-year-old mum very welcome and help improve her health and well-being during her 2 week stay.
They acted on any request we or my mother made.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Graham, thanks for your lovely review. I am glad we could be there for your Mother in her time of need, during the two weeks respite period she spent in our Home. Thanks again for choosing us. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My elderly mum moved quickly and smoothly into Blackthorns in April 2021. The manager and staff made the process easy and comfortable for mum. Administrative processes were dealt with professionally and efficiently, with family members receiving support to from staff.
Initial impressions of Blackthorns
were excellent: clean, well designed, modern, light and on the one level. Mum's room was spacious, cheerfully decorated and purpose-built with good facilities. During further visits to mum, all the family have commented on the friendly and caring attitude of staff towards residents and visitors. Mum has settled and made friends. Staff have an encouraging, cheerful and 'can do' attitude. Safety procedures are very strong.
Earlier visits were made whilst strict Covid restrictions/procedures were in place. The staff were excellent in keeping mum safe during this difficult time.
Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Debbie, thanks for your lovely review. It is our privilege to walk with you all on this journey. Thanks for entrusting us with the care of your Mother. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent all-round, staff very friendly everyone works very hard. Residents are always made to feel welcome and happy. I am allowed to take in my dog which makes my partner and residents very happy.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Pete, thanks for your lovely review. It is our pleasure to look after your Partner. Thank you for entrusting us with her care. Teresa, Manager


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been with Blackthorns for a number of years and is in a wheelchair and requires a lot of physical assistance. The home is friendly and very comfortable mum is happy and has many friends and enjoys the atmosphere and daily routine including the varied activities. The staff are caring and
considerate particularly during lockdown with visiting facilities and regular updates by phone. Thank you to all the staff for your care and support with mum it is very much appreciated.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Blackthorns since 28th June 2019. She has dementia and the staff have been very supportive and caring towards her. My mother's balance is a big problem for her, so having people around her is very important. Everybody has been very good at keeping families in touch with each other
during lockdown via Facetime and now appointment visits.
Staff have coped very well with the Covid pandemic.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Have not been happy with the previous manager. The deputy manager has improved things greatly. Feel very impressed with the new manageress. Very approachable seems to get things sorted, seems very efficient. The refurbishment to the home is wonderful. As my mum is approaching her 100th birthday in March
I feel more than content with the way the home is being managed.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

While staff are very caring, there are times they are run off their feet. With many residents in wheelchairs, their needs are greater, often leaving more able residents to fend for themselves. Although residents are clean, it is questionable how often they have a bath or shower. In my opinion more staff
is required. There are activities but not consistently. A paid member of staff to organise and stimulate individuals and groups would be of benefit. Those residents at the end of life, staff have very little time to devote to them.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

To all the amazing, hard-working staff at Blackthorns Care Home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the care and attention you've given to my mother these past 18 months. It is so sad, her journey in this life has come to an end, but without you all being there for her it wouldn't have been
the same. You gave her the company she so desperately needed and looked after her every need. Her room was always so clean and tidy, she was always dressed to perfection and ready to mingle with all her friends. I will miss coming in to see her and saying hello to all of you, in fact, I'm bringing in thank you cards this weekend, as there are some very special people working there that I need to thank personally.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On the whole, my Mother is being looked after very well. The staff are respectful and caring. Sometimes, because of her dementia, my Mother can be a bit of a handful, but the staff help adjust with her needs. In my opinion, she's safe, well looked after and kept clean and fed.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Dad was in Blackthorns until August 2018 when I moved him. The experience was shocking. He had Alzheimer's and the staff treated him as if he was "naughty" when he was showing typical behaviour for the disease. Staff would often say when I arrived "I haven't a clue where he is dear". There was
never enough staff on duty and the staff were often made up of a considerable number of Agency staff. The Activities personnel were almost non-existent, and any activities mostly consisted of Bingo. The food was sometimes ok and on other occasions inedible as vegetables had been boiled to within an inch of their lives and food would arrive which looked as if it had been cremated. Safeguarding complaints were made. Avoid this place.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience with Blackthorns over the past year has been very good, very helpful staff, took care of dad very well. If the care home was in Witham we would not have moved Dad. The only problem is they don't have enough permanent staff.
We had a very good relationship with all the staff, nothing was
too much trouble for them.
Would highly recommend Blackthorns care home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family was very happy with the care received by my elderly mother from the moment she was welcomed to Blackthorns. Every single staff member was friendly, helpful and kind to my mother and she enjoyed her time there. Nothing was too much trouble - and they ensured that she was always well dressed
and looked after. I was particularly impressed by the time taken to talk to her and explain issues and to encourage her to interact. It was a very positive experience and Blackthorns seemed very well organised, well kept (always clean and tidy) with a very pleasant atmosphere.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum has now been a resident here at Blackthorns Halsted for just over a year. I am extremely happy with the care package provided for my Mum with the safety/security being paramount. The staff always have time to speak with me on my visits and update me on the health and wellbeing of my Mum on a
regular basis.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.683)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10 for Blackthorns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.683 for Blackthorns is calculated as follows: ( (190 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 259 Ratings = 4.683

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blackthorns is based on 22 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 22 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 10 Mar 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (5)

Flavia

Flavia Poplauschi

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2012

I am Flavia Poplauschi, a dedicated Home Manager with over 12 years of experience in the health and social care sector. What excites me the most about my role are the growth and learning opportunities it offers. I hold an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and have been in a managerial position for the last 5 years. Last year, I also completed leadership training to further enhance my skills.


I can’t live without coffee, and I’m especially fond of my sister’s brew. When I have the chance, I love travelling and taking my family on trips to explore new places. Camping is one of my favourite outdoor activities, and I always look forward to the next adventure.


Kinga

Kinga Polak-Choat

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2024

My name is Kinga Polak-Choat, and I am the Home Administrator at Runwood, where I started in August 2024. Although I am new to this role, every day brings something different. I have the opportunity to meet new people regularly and continuously learn and grow in this position.


I hold a master's degree in management and marketing, which has helped me transition into this role. Before joining Runwood, I spent 9 years working as a bookkeeper, collaborating with various businesses across different sectors. This experience has shaped my approach to organisation and problem-solving in my current role.


Outside of work, I’m known as the "food monster" at home, as I love to cook and eat! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking walks with my dog. When I find the time, I also make it a point to attend body combat classes to stay active.


Alex

Alex Ile

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Alex Ile, and I’m currently the Deputy Manager at Runwood Homes, having rejoined the team in July 2024. I truly enjoy the caring side of my job, especially meeting new people, working with different organisations, and tackling the day-to-day challenges that come with it. As a registered nurse, this role is a great opportunity to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.


I’m all about bringing joy to the workplace—I love making people laugh and being jolly, often cracking jokes at my own expense! Outside of work, I’m a fan of going to the gym to stay active, and I have a keen interest in computers and watching documentaries. Life is all about balance, and I like to keep things both fun and focused.


Andras

Andras Papp

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2023

Hi, I’m Andras, the Head Chef at Runwood Homes since September 2023. I have a passion for cooking and baking, and I truly enjoy creating delicious meals for our residents. One of the highlights of my day is interacting with residents during meal times, as it brings a personal touch to what I do.


I’m proud to share that I won the Chef of the Year 2023 award, a milestone that reflects my dedication to my craft.


Outside of the kitchen, I love playing football, going fishing, and savouring a good cup of coffee—because life is always better with coffee!


Teri

Teri Went

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 2021

Hi, I’m Teri, and I’m proud to be a Housekeeper at Blackthorns. I joined Runwood in 2021, and in 2023, I stepped into my current role. I’m passionate about maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and take great pride in ensuring our home is welcoming and comfortable for everyone.


Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I love contributing to a positive environment where everyone feels cared for and valued.


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my house rabbit, Barnabi, who always keeps life interesting! I’m also a fan of holidays and cherish opportunities to relax and explore new places.